When you choose "Explain This Form" (either from the menus or from the Entry Information Box for each field), you will see notes like the following that answer questions you may have about our calculations for each form. We focus on questions that are not answered by either:
The explanations on the face of the form; or
The list of carries among forms. To view the list of carries for a given entry, move your cursor to that entry, and select "Forms/Jump to Related" from the Main Menu.
The Background Worksheet is central to the program. Other worksheets and forms look here for basic information about you and your return.
For example, on most of the forms and worksheets, your name will carry from the Background Worksheet to the top of the form or worksheet in question. This characteristic makes it possible for you to change, let's say, your name once on the Background Worksheet and then to have us automatically change your name on every tax form or worksheet (and there are many!).
Note: Completing the Background Worksheet BEFORE completing any other worksheet or form will make your tax season that much more enjoyable!
Here is how to enter a foreign address:
Click the box for foreign addresses, below the address area of the Background Worksheet.
Enter the street address where indicated.
In the space for entering the city name, enter the city, province and postal code and country name. Do not abbreviate the country name.
Skip the spaces for entering the state and ZIP codes.
There are a few consequences of using a foreign address:
File your return with the IRS, Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA.
You may qualify for an automatic 2-month extension of the usual April 18th deadline. See the IRS instructions for details.
You cannot file electronically.
If you have not yet made an entry on line 3a, we select the filing status Married Filing Joint Return. You should change it if it does not accurately describe your situation.
This box is not checked unless you have indicated that someone else can claim you as a dependent on his or her tax return.
We automatically check this box if you are married filing jointly.
If you are due a refund, the fastest way to get it is to request that the IRS deposit it directly into your bank account.
To request direct deposit, make sure you fill in the account information AND X the box above the Routing Transit Number (this happens automatically if you use the Interview). The X tells us to enter the account information automatically on Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ, as appropriate, if you have a refund.
This is the simplest way of paying estimated tax. Just fill in the amount of your refund that you would like to apply to your 2011 estimated tax. We will enter the number on the appropriate line of Form 1040 or 1040A. (You can't use this option with 1040EZ.) You will receive the balance of your refund by check or direct deposit.
If, when you filed your 2009 return, you applied your 2009 refund to your 2010 estimated tax, be sure and fill in that amount on the Last Year's Data Worksheet so that you get credit for it on your 2010 return.